Kearney/Browne family of Ballinrea and Bruff
Hello! My great great grandfather was born in Bruff in 1837 and lived in the townland of Ballinrea. He came to America in 1861 and joined the US Navy in 1862 and served for the duration of the Civil War. He was in Chicago during the Great Fire and was employed in the building of railroads through Iowa. He settled in Weller, Iowa and raised a family and lived to the ripe old age of 96. His parents were William and Mary (Browne) Kearney. William was born in Co. Limerick likely in 1792 and died in Ballinrea on 28 Mar 1865. Mary was born abt 1799 likely in Co. Limerick and died 22 Feb 1869 in Ballinrea.
In the elder William Kearney's death record, he had a brother named Michael Kearney. If anyone has any information on Michael, or William and Michael's parents, Id be overjoyed. In addition, where would it be likely that the elder William Kearney be buried? In Bruff? Or in another Parish? It appears from the baptism records Ive found of William and Mary Kearney's children that they used the Bruff church. In addition, William and Mary's death records state their parish as Bruff. The location of their graves would be such a treat as would a photo. Thanks for any help or information on this family or Mary Browne's family!!
If anyone needs any information on the descendants of William and Mary Browne Kearney, I might be able to help. One of their children, Edmond, stayed in Ballinrea and raised a family on their farm. Three came to America between 1847 and 1861 and settled in Monroe County, Iowa. They were William (my gg grandfather), Patrick and Nora (Kearney) Cronin. I believe at least one or two went to Australia.
Jason Murphy
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
